Teaching environmental sustainability to kids through the love of books!

Children are the future. They are the ones who will have to face the consequences of the planet's sustainability issues, and probably the ones who will need to find solutions to environmental problems that they are inheriting from us. What we teach them today is going to affect their life choices and decisions in the future, so we need to make them aware of what is possibly the most essential element of living and surviving - our planet!

Teaching children about sustainability will give them the opportunity to become sensible about their environment, realize the importance to live in harmony with nature, and as grown-ups, they will be able to take responsible lifestyle decisions. What we learn as children become the foundation of our habits, values, and priorities. We have both the duty and the joy to instill in our children the right ones.

Our educators do a marvelous job in providing knowledge to our children, but it is more powerful when the parents or guardians enrich their children's awareness, first and foremost by giving a good example at home, and secondly by investing in good quality books. Recently I discovered a new small local business which provides Subscription Boxes for children. They have a different topic every month. To my delight, their very first subscription box is called 'Follow Your Curiosity' and it focuses on the planet and environmental sustainability. I was immediately thrilled! 

There are 2 books. One is '100 Things to know about planet Earth', exquisitely illustrated and accompanied by an innovative online section where you can find several videos, fact-sheets and quizzes. The recommended age is 8+ however it is so colourful and playful that younger kids will certainly enjoy reading it with an adult and discovering all these wonders of the world. 

The other book is 'Helping our Planet', a very interesting guidebook with practical and helpful checklists and calls to action that will motivate the reader to explore sustainability issues in their everyday life such as eating, shopping, traveling, ways to save energy and cut down on waste. 240 pages of wisdom gems to implant in our precious future generation. 

In the box you will also find a large world map perfect to hang in the kids' room, a colour-in sheet of planet Earth and 2 flashcards with cute and funny facts about animals.

Fijgo's 'Follow your Curiosity' makes a great and significant gift for the children in your family this Christmas. After all, what makes a better present than education? Instilling the love of reading books early gives a child a head start on expanding their vocabulary and building independence and self-confidence. It helps children learn to make sense not only of the world around them but also the people by building socio-emotional skills, and of course, imagination. 

As Jacqueline Kennedy said, "There are many little ways to enlarge a world. Love of books is the best of all."

You can learn more about and order the Subscription Box from HERE

Follow Fijgo Books on Facebook

Creating positive changes at Christmas time

If there was ever a time that could push us towards positive change, then this is definitely it! This year we all had our share of fear and faith, reflection and prudence. Besides the chaos and the inconveniences, we have re-discovered extraordinary benefits of slowing down the pace of our lives. Covid taught us many valuable lessons, the most important of which is a necessity to live on a healthy planet and maintain a healthy eco-system. Climate change is real. Biodiversity loss is real. Air and sea pollution are real. All these contribute to unsustainability. As citizens of planet Earth, we are all responsible, and we must therefore become accountable for our own actions and habits. Christmas and New Year are traditionaly the most ideal times to bring about change, and our next big lesson to learn is how to live sustainably.

What is sustainability?

To be sustainable, means to be able to maintain a balanced level of give and take. Right now, the planet is in an unsustainable state, for we are taking more than we are giving back - and we are taking quicker than the planet can regenerate by itself. One of the principal problems of unsustainability is consumption. Since the industrial revolution and the invention of plastic a hundred or so years ago, we have been consuming carelessly, impulsively, and negligently. We buy without thinking and we buy things we don't need, and in particular during Christmas time, we are relenetlessly driven into an over-consumption race with the excuse of gifting and celebrating.

Becoming a conscious consumer means that you put thought and care before purchasing anything. Asking yourself questions such as: Where was this made? How did it arrive here? Who made it? Who or what suffered so that this prouct could be created? Celebrating a 'Green' Crhsitams is possible when you choose eco-sustainable products. It means that the products were sourced, manufactured, produced, packaged and transported with respect to the environment. An eco-friendly product is a product that was made with sustainability as a priority guideline.

What is good for the planet is also good for the people

This is a pleasant consequence that not everybody knows about. Eco-sustainable products are not only good for the environment, but also good for people. For instance, sustainable food and beverage products would not contain any dangerous chemicals or pesticides; and Eco-friendly body products would not contain anyd harmful substances. Therefore, if you care about what you put in and on your body, and want to live a healthy lifestyle, choosing sustainable products is the way forward.

Choosing eco-sustainable options

So, let's end this strange and mysterious year on a good note! Let us start taking responsibility for our actions and choose ethical and sustainable gifts for our loved ones taking inspiration from Malta's Top Eco-friendly Gift Ideas, a list created by Eco Market Malta. The list contains a beautiful collection of gift ideas from local green startups, artisans and SMEs. Shopping local is a huge factor for sustainability as it reduces the product's carbon footprint. Choosing to buy products from this list will also eliminate the risk of buying something that only pretends to be eco-friendly as our sellers are well curated.

Malta's Top Eco-friendly Gift Ideas features 30 perfect gifts for your friends and family members. For instance, the Zero Waste Starter Kit is an elegant box ready to be gifted to someone who wants to reduce the use of plastic; while the Eco Gardener Kit is your ideal gift for your green-finger friend.

There are also several gift options for sustainable home appliances, jewellery, clothing, beauty, decor, wellness, children's toys, gifts for the new mum, and unique original ideas such as 'adopt a dolphin'. 

Be the change you want to see

Whether you are buying for an eco-conscious person, or someone who is not yet environmentally-aware, this list offers quality and well-priced gift ideas for everyone. As consumers we can make a conscious choice to bring positive change in our lives, and since actions speak louder than words, your eco gift will also be a message inviting others to make their own positive impact. It is no secret that a meaningful and thoughtful gift is more appreciated than any high-priced item money can buy. This year, let's choose to shop sustainably and responsibly, avoid waste, be kind to the planet and enjoy a simple and 'green' Christmas.

Let's connect back to nature!

Welcome back to our Eco friendly Malta Blog! 

Today we are grateful for so many things! We all have been an unusual experience and lived a situation that we could have never imagined. It was a dark time where the outside world was forbidden to us and almost all of us were practically locked in our homes. For many, this has been a warning sign for us to take action and mend our broken relationship with nature. An environment that has always surrounded us, but we used to take so much for granted.

We are now all eager to make up for up for this lost time and Eco Market Malta are very happy to announce a new series of events right in the heart of nature. Read till the end for more details.

Connecting with nature can help us feel happier and more energised, with an increased sense of meaning and purpose. A little fresh air, the sun on our skin and bare feet on the ground can bring so many small pleasures, making us feel refreshed and revived. Why does nature have such a positive effect? Did you know that simply being exposed to nature’s wonders stimulates the brain? Your prefrontal cortex which is responsible for your mind’s commands, can take a bit of a rest and revitalize. Connecting back to nature has lots of benefits, some of which you might find surprising!

 

1. Improves Short Term Memory

Who would have thought that a little time with the flowers and trees can actually improve your memory? The University of Michigan conducted a study that revealed students who regularly went for a nature walk actually had a better time retaining information.

2. Reduces Stress

Nature has a calming effect on our brains. As an added bonus, outdoor exercise, like going for a walk, hiking, and so forth, gets the blood flowing and heart pumping, another way to lower stress levels.

 

3. Increases Levels of Vitamin D

Sure, too much sun can damage the skin and possibly lead to cancer. That being said, studies show that getting between 15 to 20 minutes a day of sunshine will allow your body to absorb vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of cancer, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

 

4. Improves Sleep

Spending time in natural light helps our bodies better regulate sleep patterns. When the sun goes down, our brains will release the right levels of melatonin to help get a good night’s sleep.

 

5. Strengthens the Immune System

Research has shown that going outdoors and getting enough sunlight can help boost the immune system. to help fight disease and stay healthy all you need is to take a little stroll outside or enjoy a bit of fun outdoors

 

6. Increases Happiness

In a world full of screens, we often search for happiness in the wrong places. Nature will boost your mood and promotes your mental well-being.

 

7. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation in the body can lead to all sorts of disorders, from depression and cancer to autoimmune diseases. A study demonstrated that participants who spent a bit of time each week walking in the woods experienced lower levels of inflammation in the body.  

 

8. Improves Vision

Going outside gives our eyes a break from staring at a computer, television, tablet or smartphone. Australian scientists even found that children who spend time outdoors reduce the risk of developing myopia later in life.

 

9. Inspires Creativity

Nature comes in so many colours, from orange-sky sunsets to seafoam green waters and rose-coloured gardens. Spending time outside gives a chance to get inspired by all the gorgeous sights, smells, and sounds of the outdoors. Science backs that up, too, showing that spending time outside actually helps get our creative juices flowing.

 

10. Develops a Deeper Sense of Spirituality

When you connect back to nature, you give your mind the chance to clear the cobwebs and can even count as a type of meditation. Spending time in nature helps us live in the moment as we breathe in the air, listen to the sound of the birds chirping, or feel the grass on our feet. Nature can even teach valuable lessons and reveal metaphors to help us connect with our spirituality.

So here is the exciting news! Eco Market is teaming up with Green Living Malta and together we are introducing ‘Summer Nights in Nature’. Every Saturday, from 11 July until 26 Septemer we will be hosting these exquisite events to help you connect back with nature in one of the most outstanding natural venues in Malta, the beautiful and bountiful Vincent's Eco Estate in Mgarr.

The aim is to not only to connect people back to nature and promote all the benefits that we've just mentioned, but also to connect you with a mindful community of like-minded people. Both Eco Market and Green Living are advocates of sustainable living and the people and activities that will be presented, will focus on shaping a more sustainable, greener future.  

Expect to find ongoing activities for children of all ages, to help them keep busy, entertained and educated. Children learn their relationship with nature by playing with nature, the ground, the leaves, the pine cones and other safe organic matter, everything completely in line with covid-19 guidelines. The events will be complimented with sunset DJ tunes, a variety of enjoyable workshops for adults, vegan and plant-bs food, wines, beers and of course a charming selection of Eco Market stalls.

The Olive Grove at the Vortex, Vincent's Eco Estate, Mgarr

These events will kick off on Saturday 11th July with a jamming session hosted by no other than Peter Paul, frontman of Tribali! Peter Paul will be heading his popular drum workshop during this event where everybody is welcome to bring their own drum and join in to create a positive vibration through rhythm. We will also welcome Nadia Cassar, our resident gardener with her famous workshop 'How to grow your own food at home', as well as DJ Armani who will be doing a special set with his son.  

Follow the event on Facebook for more information about activities and relative prices. 

The Olive Grove at the Vortex, Vincent's Eco Estate, Mgarr

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Vendor Feature Series #17

Welcome again to our Vendor Feature Series where we present you local businesses that offers sustainable and Eco-friendly products and services. Today we feature an extremely cute brand called 'Chloe's Closet Malta' by Melanie Cremona.

Melanie became a mom for the first time three years ago. Since that moment, like every new mom, she felt a great sense of protection towards her child. Every day, Chloe and her needs came first. She started being concerned about harmful harsh chemicals on the baby's delicate skin and how processed food could make her sick. In a nutshell, she strived to provide her daughter the best possible everything in every sense.

Being fashion conscious herself, she was finding it hard to find that particular style that she imagined for her baby to wear; something that is stylish, simple and comfortable, but above all, clothing that provided peace of mind with regards to safety for the baby. 

After nearly three years of research, Melanie launched 'Chloe's Closet Malta', an organic and affordable line of clothing for kids that tick all the boxes for mothers who want the absolute best for their children. You can see the beautiful collection of 'Chloe's Closet Malta' on their Facebook Page. 

Vendor Feature Series #13

Happy Sunday from the Eco Market blog! Today is family day so we are going to talk about mommies and babies. The Cloth Nappy Company was founded in July 2019 by Brenda Grech after she started using reusable cloth nappies for her daughter and experienced first hand the many benefits they offer. She wanted to make these products easily available to parents in Malta and raise awareness. Welcome back to the Eco Friendly Malta Blog and get ready for the most innovative Eco-friendly product in Malta.

Modern cloth nappies are made out of natural materials that are softer and more breathable making them perfect for sensitive baby skin. They are also the best option for the environment. Using re-usable cloth nappies saves 24 million disposable nappies in Malta alone! They can be re-used from baby to baby and donated to family and friends whilst remaining perfectly safe and clean to use. Another benefit of cloth nappies is that they save you money in the long term. With only Eur400-Eur500 you are completely set up and sorted till potty training. If you had to buy commercial diapers you would spend well over Eur 1000.  Plus, they are much nicer to look at with lots of cute prints and colours!

Apart from cloth nappies, The Cloth Nappy Company also stocks related products such as re-usable baby wipes, wet bags, re-usable nursing bags and changing mats. Brenda loves meeting and speaking to parents who are already using, or thinking of using cloth nappies. If you have any questions, feel free to contact and she will be happy to explain how easy it is to use re-usable cloth nappies! She has also created a live online workshops that you can watch on their Facebook Page. 

The Cloth Nappy Company makes free deliveries in Malta for any order size. You can purchase directly from their website - where at the moment they are offering 10% discount on all their products - use the code STAYSAFE at check-out! Products are delivered in bags made out of cassava roots which are fully biodegradable within 3-6 months, making this business the ultimate Eco-friendly and sustainable options for mammas. You can also follow them on Instagram.